Monmouthshire flood strategy welcomed amid funding concerns

Peter Fox, Member of the Senedd for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, has voiced his support for Monmouthshire County Council’s newly adopted Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, while calling on the Welsh Government to ensure it is properly funded.

The six-year plan aims to address flood risks across Monmouthshire and incorporates lessons from the severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia in November 2025.

Mr Fox said: "I was pleased to see this strategy being approved, but we must ensure there is adequate funding to deal with these issues.

"We know that Wales is often stuck in a cycle of funding and bureaucracy, but this has to be broken if we are to ensure our communities are properly protected.

"We cannot keep patching up homes and lives after every flood.

"We need long-term investment in resilience and infrastructure.

"With winter well on the way, too many people in Monmouthshire and Torfaen will be fearful of what the bad weather will bring.

"Lets get this right, and tackle the problem head on."

He welcomed the council’s strategic approach but stressed that many of the proposed actions depend on grant funding from the Welsh Government.

Mr Fox also expressed concern about the delay in bringing forward the strategy, noting that nine months have passed since the flooding in November 2025.

In a letter to the Welsh Government, he has requested assurances that adequate resources will be made available to deliver flood resilience projects and support communities affected by repeated flooding.

He has also sought information on future investment in flood defences, natural flood management schemes, and measures to improve resilience in susceptible communities across Monmouthshire.

Residents and businesses in the affected areas were not able to return to their homes or premises for months due to the severe damage caused as the River Monnow rose to 18 times its usual height.

The strategy is now due to be submitted to the Welsh Government.